On 1 May, a demonstration in Manokwari commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the administrative transfer of Papua to Indonesia was forcibly dispersed by Manokwari and Brimob police. Domingus Babika was one of dozens of demonstrators who were arrested by Brimob officers who forcibly dragged them onto police trucks. They were severely beaten on arrest.

Those detained were made to sit in the hot sun in an open field for several hours. Four people were singled out and brought to Manokwari Regional police station as they reportedly carried sharp weapons, while the rest were released. Three of the four detained were released without charge. Domingus Babika, a UNIPA student, is still believed to be in detention in Manokwari Regional police station.